
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
PERSONAL BESTS!!!

Saturday, June 23, 2007
Fat Rabbit Racing International Triathlon PRE-RACE AUCTION
The offerings in this auction are very cool and you should definitely take advantage for your persoanl satisfaction and for the chance to help an organization that is doing great good creating awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders.
So, here are the goods...

** A LARGE NATT Racing Jersey (Estimated value $75.00)
** 2 Boxes of Hammer Gels (Chocolate and Banana flavors - Estimated value $15.00 per box)
** 2 Hutchinson TOP SPEED Road Racing Tires (Estimated value $30.00 per tire)
** 40 NATT Wristbands to give out to anyone you know willing to support our cause (@ $3.00 per wristband estimated value $120.00)
The initial bid the Clot Buster is requesting for this package is $100.00
As always all of the profits from this auction will be giving to NATT in your behalf. So, think about it! Since I did not get around to post this PRE-RACE AUCTION until now you will have time all the way until Sunday night at 11PM to place your bid. Please place your bid either through the comments section of this blog or through an email to polka40@hotmail.com
Good solid training this week, I believe. I hope to swim tomorrow and take Saturday off to rest before the race on Sunday. Am I going to be able to continue my streak of top three finishes within the 30-34 age group? Stay tuned for the results on Sunday...
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cincinnati International Triathlon - Thursday and I am still recovering...
Let me tell you that the course at this race was not flat by any means. You can read a very nice summary about the bike course race experience at Brad Culp's blog within the Triathlete Magazine webiste. Having to 3 laps of this bike course was simply something I was not ready for. Of course I have every excuse in the world for my slow times but it does not matter, I still took 3rd place in my "new" agre group 30-34.Friday, June 08, 2007
Cincinnati International Triathlon - Here we go!
This will be the second (actually third) race of the summer for the Clot Buster in his quest to reach the 300 Mile mark for the summer.
If you would be interested in heling NATT continue it's mission to educate and create awareness about blood clots and blood clotting disorders any contribution that you could match for every mile that I race could help the organization tremendously. For example here is a very simple breakdown for you:
$0.05 per Mile x 300 Miles = $15.00
$0.10 per Mile x 300 Miles = $30.00
$0.25 per Mile x 300 Miles = $75.00
If any of the options above is something you would consider please write the checkout to "NATT" and send an email to the Clot Buster so that he can give you his address. Every contribution is important to help keep NATT on track with its mission.
I hope that taking it easy tomorrow will help me to fight this fatigue I am carrying with me today. A good night of sleep should do the trick as it was a long week for me at work and on the training side of things. I am very excited to be racing in my new Mizuno shoes. I was having some heal problems last week and I decided that the shoes were causing the pain. Thanks to the wisdom of Andy Hobson at Front Runner I think that I found a nice pair of shoes that quickly are becoming my favorite. Let's see how they perform during racing conditions.
Well, with another PRE-RACE auction behind me I am looking forward to the race. Stay posted as I will have some more cool stuff up for auction the week before the race.
To all a GOOD WEEKEND!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Cincinnati International Triathlon - PRE RACE AUCTION
That is correct you will get the chance to score two boxes of Hammer Gel energy gels (Chocolate & Banana Flavors), along with that a Hammer Gel flask, and finally an Aqua Sphere SEAL set of goggles which are red to go along with your new Clot Buster jersey!If you would like to make a bid please do it either through the comments section of the blog or just shoot me an email at polka40@hotmail.com. The auction will be open until midnight on friday so don't miss out in a chance to have your very own Clot Buster Jersey and some extra goods!
What or who is your inspiration?
For me the inspiration comes from the polka-dots. I am sure you wondering how that is. Well, very simply I think about all of the polka-dots that I wear and how to me they represent someone either volunteering their time to NATT or someone who is going through all of the treatment required to stay ahead of those blood clots that could flare at any moment. I think a lot about how their life has changed due the clot and how it is possible for me to spread the word about the potential dangers from blood clots. All with the goal that people would become aware and be in the lookout for the particular signs that indicate the presence of a potential blood clot.
Hard to believe that my racing season is already here in full swing. The training is going well and things are falling in place to keep at it hard the rest of the upcoming races. Next up I get to visit the city of CINCINNATI, OH for the Cincinnati International Triathlon and Sports Festival next weekend.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND ... $0.10 x 300Miles = $ 30.00 for NATT!!!
Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to this organization that is doing great good. If you would like more information about how to donate please drop me a line.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon - Two Races TWICE THE FUN
The AM race was a normal swim-bike-run with a bike course that took us from the bottom of the valley all the way to the top of the ridge and back down. The down hill portions of the race were fast and at some locations you had to very careful because of the hair-pin turns we had to go through. The run course was pretty brutal as it took us out and back in this access roads that were not flat by any means. I raced very consistently on the AM race. In the back of my head I wanted to leave a little something for the second race that afternoon. So, all things considered I got the following splits:
TOTAL = 2:51:57 - SECOND PLACE in the 30-34 Age Group




So after all that swim-bike-run and the mandatory stretching Mrs. Clot Buster and I decided to go into town get some food and sit on my butt to rest the body for the afternoon's festivities. At around 2:40 or so I started to get my things together and prepare for the second serving of triathlon racing but this time it was going to be BIKE-SWIM-RUN. In this case the bike course a "nice" out and back loop that featured a very mean 1.2 Mile climb that broke everyone down. I was the second to last to leave in a time trial fashion. Keep in mind that at this point the first people who started ahead of me had left the start about 35 minutes before I did. So, as I was approaching Mile 8 of the course I noticed that I did have not see anyone coming back yet and I was starting to get concerned about where the people who started ahead me were. So finally at around Mile 9 I see the firt few guys as I was cresting the last rolling hill before heading down this monster of a climb... and there they were everyone making their way up this mountain. This climb was without a question the hardest I've ever done. Hands down I have nothing to compare it with, steep long it had it all and it put my weak legs to the test. Somehow I got up this thing and finally to the transition area just wishing I was in bed waking up from this dream... I wish I had a video to show you the struggle it was to get into the wetsuit for the 1 Mile swim we had to complete next. Let me tell you that it was a show... there is a reason why you are asked to wear your wetsuit and I find out why the hard way. Very warm body enters cool, cool water the feeling is very refreshing at first but then the slightest move out of sync made both of my hammstrings cramp up. You can't really swim while cramping up but you can float away the cramp in your wetsuit... So after struggling through a 35 minute swim I finally got out and began my shuffle through the run course. To my surprise I kept a nice even pace and I got it done faster than I first anticipated. Of course I was way slower than the first time around but I knew that in order to win my age group I had to finish... so put me down for a FRIST PLACE FINISH in the 30-34 AGE GROUP for the PM Race.
You will notice in the next set of photos that I look a lot more worned out. I am sure you can guess why...





Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon Quick Report...
Just let me show how I looked like after the second race on the same day...

I almost felt like everything was sideways after the race... it took me a while to re-gain my bearings...
More to come later.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Thursday, May 24, 2007
(1Mile Swim + 25Miles Bike + 6.55Miles Run)*2=
The Clot Buster's first race of the season is finally here... It is been a long time coming but finally it is here and I think that I am ready to go. Of course I would not be worried this much if I was doing only one olympic distance race but this weekend I am doing TWO of them... one in the AM and the other in PM.
Am I crazy? A lot people think so but I appreciate the challenge that this format will put infront of me. I have no idea how my body will react racing in the morning and then racing again in the afternoon. One thing is for sure, it will send a clear signal that we are in racing season...!
Interestingly enough the race will have some additional spice to it because it is not your usual line up... in the AM we will be doing the traditional swim-bike-run, however, in the PM they are switching things around and we will do BIKE-SWIM-RUN. How does that sound? I think that it is pretty interesting if you ask me...
Mentally I am definitely ready no question about it. The wild card here is how well the legs will respond to the effort. But you can be assured that I will finish both of the races even if I have to crawl to the finish line on the PM race.
So, it is Thursday already, have you place a bid for the Clot Buster's jersey? Don't delay if you want to look as good as I do while racing and training... REMEBER, LATEST BID is $45.00 as of this afternoon. You will be looking great and helping a very worthy organization!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon PRE-RACE AUCTION === BID UPDATE
HUGE THANKS!!! to those of you have placed a bid.
The highest bid as of 22:23 on 5/23 is $45.00.
This is a steal of a deal for a VERGE SPORTS jersey that will help a very worthy organization.
Keep those bids coming!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Monday, May 21, 2007
Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon PRE-RACE AUCTION

Well, here we are The Clot Buster and Mrs. Clot Buster modeling YOUR jersey!
The available sizes for the jersey are Medium and Large, so take your pick!
If you would like to make a bid please do it either through the comments section of the blog or just shoot me an email at polka40@hotmail.com. The auction will be open until midnight on friday so don't miss out in a chance to have your very own Clot Buster Jersey!
The Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon will be a very interesting race as I am planning on doing TWO OLYMPIC distance races in one day. More on that to follow... In the mean time please consider participating in this auction to help NATT.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The countdown has started...

A blast from 2006... I hope the Clot Buster colors will fly high again this summer!
Yes, The Clot Buster is getting ready for the start of the season with some solid training this last few weeks. My bike mileage is not where it needs to be in terms of being ready for the half-iron distance races I have planned for later on. I have time to get up there... I think. In the mean time I am trying to concentrate in some speed work so that when Shawnee Appalachian Triathlon rolls around in two weeks I am ready to go. At least for one of the races I am doing that day. If you don't know that race features and AM and PM Olympic distance race where in the AM you do the traditional swim, bike, and run but in the PM you bike, swim, and then run. It should very interesting. I will talk more about it when the time gets closer. Right now, I am not worrying about it too much I just want to continue healing my shoulder and getting some good training under my belt.
This year, I am trying out some new things... of course my new aero dynamic look should help me a great deal, please see bellow...
but I am also exploring the use of the aero-bar mounted water bottle for some of the longer races that I am doing. I purchased the Jetstream model so we will see how it turns out while going at it during the races. If you have some experience with this aero-bar mounted bottle I would love to hear some of your wisdom... please pass on any comments you may have!
Also, if you know of anyone who has suffered from a blood clot in the past and they are looking for any type of information PLEASE make sure you point them towards NATT's WEBSITE. There is great literature that can help people find some of the answers they are looking for.
I am very excited about the possibilities of my fundraiser this summer.
Just remember ... $0.10 x 300Miles = $30.00 for NATT!!!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Recovering Nicely!
After getting hit by a car on my to work Thursday morning I am recovering well. My right shoulder is pretty sore from the impact with a Nissan Exterra that pulled out of its driveway right infront of me. Luckily it was nothing major (I just needed to get my front wheel trued) but it was scary for sure. Someday cars and cyclists will be able to get along regardless of the time of the day.
Tuesday I am riding to work again. Let's see what happens next on my way to work...
Thank you for reading,
The Clot Buster
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Don't you wish you had more time...!

Check out the concentration on my friend's face... there is Matt the artist, doing his best to help the Clot Buster be that much faster than you..!
DON'T FORGET TO PLACE A BID ON THE AUCTION FOR THE YARA SUNGLASSES FROM DPMSPORTS!!! Please read below for more details.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Clot Buster's Fundraising Auction - Part II
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL OF THE NET PROCEEDS FROM THIS AUCTION WILL BE DIRECTED TO NATT IN A FORM OF A DONATION TO THE ORGANIZATION IN YOUR NAME.
If you are interested in any of these items please place your bid in the comments section of this post. If you don't have a google account please email me with your bid to polka40@hotmail.com (those people bidding through email will have their bids posted on the comments section by me, in order to give people a fair chance of knowing where the bids stand). The Auction will be open through Friday May 11th at midnight. The highest bidder at time will receive the goods with shipping arranged by the Clot Buster.
The YARA SPORT SUNGLASSES

Along with the sunglasses the Clot Buster and his friends from North Coast Multisport are throwing in 12 Banana Hammer Gels and 12 Chocolate Hammer Gels that you can fill in your own Hammer Gel Flask. Also, because we want for you take care of your eyes from the very start of the race we are including a pair of Aqua Sphere Large Format Goggles (Red Frame with UV protection). Plus, we are adding a copy of the 2007 Multi-Sport Directory (a $7.95 value) all yours because of your decision to help NATT in this auction.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
I am here...
But don't fear I am not entirely out of shape yet although we did our fair share of celebrating down in St. Johns with the traditional "pain killers." So, The Clot Buster is getting back into the swing of things. Just wait until you get to see the new "island" due I am sporting these days...Thursday, April 19, 2007
Roland's 30th Shin Dig (with photos)!
How about a pinata for your birthday...!?!?!
Everyone gets the chance to join in the fun... first Liz got a chance at it!
and then some other brave friends ventured in the challenge... notice who gets to control the "live" pinata. It was great fun all around!
Everyone did a fantastic job singing. You don't get a house full of people doing that very often. It was very cool. I greatly appreciated it!

So know that I finished all of the left over sweets that we had available in the house it is time to get back into the swing of things. Serious riding to be done this weekend as the weather will be sensational. I am really excited that the weather is improving. I had some great rides this week so far and I look forward to tomorrow to start the weekend.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Roland's 30th Shin Dig!
Happy Birthday Mr. Clot Buster!!! I would only do this selfish post because tomorrow April 17th is officially my birthday. Hard to believe that I am here already. It is been an INCREDIBLE ride so far and I can only hope that it keeps going for many more years and I get to share them with all of you in some way as we get to cross paths.
My Lovely wife put together a sensational celebration for me last Saturday. THANK YOU VERY MUCH to every who came and shared with us. I am very grateful for everyone's friendship. I would like to give an especial Thank You to Deirdre, Bill, Liam, and Conor who found their way from their vacation down south and on their way back to Cleveland to stop by and take part on the shin dig. That was truly a surprise that I will cherish that for a long time to come along with everyone else who came and of course my pinata!!!
Pictures soon to come!
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Thrombosis and Thrombophilia Weekly Facts

Monday, April 09, 2007
The Clot Buster in TRIATHLETE MAGAZINE (sort of)
What do you think about that?
Does anyone have any words of wisdom for someone entering a new decade in his life? I am getting bumped up to a new age group here in about 8 days. What should I expect? Will my times get better? Will my edurance improve? Will I have better racing strategies? Will I be able to fundriase more for NATT? How many more auctions can I do? What items should I have for auction?
I can't lose anymore hair so I am set on that department. However, I do wonder if less hair will indeed make me faster...
As I enter this new decade of my life, I wonder if I should just go for broke and just shave whatever hair I have left and see what happens. Should I do it? I definitely need your help. Please let me know...
I hope everyone had a Superior Easter Holiday.
Oh the desserts at our Easter celebration were sensational... I need to work them off now.
Thanks for reading,
The Clot Buster
My 100th Triathlon Finish !!!
#100 TRIATHLONS
